"Saudi Arabia's Historic Move: First Alcohol Store Opens After 70 Years"

Saudi Arabia has opened its first liquor store in over 70 years, located in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter and restricted to non-Muslim diplomats, as part of the kingdom's efforts to become a tourism and business destination. The store stocks liquor, wine, and two types of beer, with purchases made through a mobile app on an allotment system. While the move reflects social liberalization under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, challenges persist due to international reputation and conservative Islamic mores. The kingdom has banned alcohol since the 1950s, and drinking alcohol is considered forbidden in Islam.